Repairing Dark Water Stains on Knotty Pine Natural Wood Ceiling

Revive your beautiful pine ceilings to their former glory, no matter how bad the water stains are.

Pine ceilings can add a rustic charm to just about any room; however, stains can make even the cleanest space look dingy and old. If you’ve already repaired the cause of the water damage to your ceiling, you can usually remove the stain without damaging the wood, leaving it as good as new.

Wood Bleach

1

Put on protective eyewear, a mask and rubber gloves. Open any windows in the room you will be working in and turn on a fan if possible. The fumes from the cleaner used to remove water stains from pine can be rather strong.

2

Mix a batch of oxalic acid wood bleach in a plastic container according to the manufacturer's directions. Most products come with two separate bottles that you mix before using. As this is a type of bleach, always use plastic or wood to work with it, as metal and bleach combined can have an unwanted reaction. It can also be a good idea to wear old clothes while working.

3

Place a ladder underneath the stain and climb up high enough so that you can comfortably work. Dip a sponge in the bleach mixture and apply an even layer to the stain. Wait the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.

4

Wet a sponge or rag with clean water and wipe the mixture off the ceiling. If the stain has disappeared, neutralize any remaining bleach with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water. Mix this in a spray bottle and spritz the ceiling, letting it air-dry. Repeat as needed to remove the stain.

5

Buff the wood lightly once it’s dry, going with the grain, with a stainless steel sponge. This will remove any remaining traces and even out the surface of the ceiling.

6

Apply an even coat of stain to the area so it matches the rest of the ceiling if necessary. Wipe away the excess after the wood has absorbed the amount of stain you want.

Using Household Items

1

Buff whitening toothpaste that contains baking soda into the stain with a rag. This may take some time, but eventually the stains should lift. You can also mix toothpaste with baking soda in equal parts for the same effect if the brand you use does not contain it.

2

Mix equal parts real mayonnaise and cigar ashes in as small bowl. Apply this to the stain, buffing it in until the watermark disappears.

3

Wipe down the wood ceiling with a clean cloth dampened with water to remove any excess toothpaste or mayonnaise mixture.